Boulders, Rocks, Fish!

Pocket water is a run of water that is marked by fast water, boulders and rocks. The rocks are sufficient that the water currents are highly varied with rock created seams overlapping from rock to rock.  Fishing pocket water can be challenging because the complex nature of the currents and the plethora of obstacles in the way. Part of the fun of fishing these areas is the difficulty in it!  I always like a challenge...

My friend, Lance Egan, recently posted up some pocket water tips...and I thought that I would share them with you...I seem to be fishing in these type of spots more and more!  It is where the fish are...


A quick tip when covering pocket water:

"When fishing behind a large rock, mid-stream or on the bank the natural place to look for Trout is in the soft water created by the rock extending downstream.  As you can see in this short clip, make sure you also cover the water tight to the rock.  In this case the current tight to the rock is flowing perpendicular to the main flow.  I made several casts in the soft water downstream of the rock with nothing.  Before moving on I made a cast along the rock in the foam line, allowing the dry/dropper rig to drift with the eddy flowing perpendicular to the main river flow.  This brought a take.  Also of note is the high rod keeping fly line and leader off the fast water between me and the pocket behind the rock.  If I let the line or leader contact the fast current my flies will immediately have drag and will be pulled out of the fishable water."  Lance Egan



Untitled from Lance Egan on Vimeo.



Quick tip 2 from Lance Egan on Vimeo.

Always look for micro seams and pockets.  If you cover a few, you will have landed more fish at days end.

A lot of fly fishermen overlook pocket water and see it as just another obstacle to cross to get to the next pool. Next time your out fishing, take the time to step back and survey a stretch of pocket water. Analyze it thoroughly and plan out a series of attacks. You’ll enjoy the challenge. I do.